SAINT JOHN – To raise awareness among young adults about deepfake scams and predatory or deceptive investment offers during Investor Education Month, the Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick (Commission) is hosting screenings of the award-winning documentary This is Not Financial Advice at two university campuses.
“We know that this generation uses social media as a key resource when researching investments and financial decisions,” says Marissa Sollows, the Commission’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs. “But their desire for ‘living in the now’ can make them susceptible to get-rich-quick schemes or inappropriate financial advice, increasing their likelihood of investing in high-risk financial products.”
“This film shines a spotlight on social media ‘finfluencers’ and the powerful role they play in shaping financial conversations among young people. By framing the conversation around financial advice and sound decision making through sources they already rely on, we hope to spark critical thinking and empower the next generation to make informed choices about their financial futures.”
The screenings, being held at the Saint John (October 1) and Fredericton (October 2) campuses of the University of New Brunswick, are just one initiative the Commission is undertaking in October to recognize Investor Education Month.
The month kicks off with the International Organization of Securities Commissions’ World Investor Week, celebrated globally from October 6 to 12. Its 2025 theme is Technology and Digital Finance, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud and Scam Prevention.
In keeping with this theme, the Commission has published a guide titled Protecting Yourself from AI and Deepfake Scams. The guide offers practical strategies to spot and avoid technology-driven scams, including those originating in artificial intelligence and deepfakes.
In October, the Commission will also launch the third edition of its signature Permission to Pause multi-media campaign. Recognizing that major life events often lead to significant financial decisions — such as purchasing a home, selecting insurance, or investing — the Permission to Pause movement encourages New Brunswickers to pause and verify information before taking financial action. The campaign will appear on social media, radio, cinema and billboards, with more information on the campaign at fcnb.ca/check-now.
For more information on Investor Education Month and objective, unbiased tools and resources, New Brunswickers can visit the Commission’s website at fcnb.ca, where they can subscribe to receive fraud alerts and investor cautions to their inbox.
Audio files of Marissa Sollows, Director of Communications and Public Affairs
Screenings of This is Not Financial Advice
While these events are geared toward university students, both screenings are free and open to the public. A live, virtual Q&A session with the film’s director will be provided immediately following each screening. Please register in advance by visiting FCNB.ca.
October 1, 2025: UNB Saint John, Hazen Hall. 5:30pm – 7:30pm
October 2, 2025: UNB Fredericton, Tilley Hall. 5:30pm – 7:30pm
The Financial and Consumer Services Commission of New Brunswick has the mandate to provide regulatory services that protect the public interest while enhancing public confidence, and to promote understanding of the regulated sectors through educational programs. It is responsible for the administration and enforcement of financial and consumers services legislation for mortgage brokers, payday lenders, real estate, securities, insurance, pensions, credit unions, trust and loan companies, cooperatives, the unclaimed property program, and a wide range of other consumer legislation. It is a Crown corporation funded by the regulatory fees and assessments paid by the regulated sectors. Online educational tools and resources are available at www.fcnb.ca.